"You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins" (Luke 1:76-77). .
Merry "Pre-Christmas"! - today we celebrate the Birth of John the Baptist. Notice that six months ago was Christmas Eve (can you believe it!!??) and six months from today will be... Christmas Eve!
If you're Christmas shopping now, you're either really early... or really, really late!
But seriously, this very ancient liturgical feast common to Western and Eastern traditions precedes Christmas each year by six months, just as John was the Forerunner of the Savior, the great prophet whose singular mission was to point to the Word-made-flesh and prepare the way for His coming and His ministry.
The Greek icon above covers the events of this feast and the Biblical texts we read for it (notice Zechariah with the writing tablet). For those whose patron saint is John the Baptist, today is your "Name Day" (and mine too!😊). In some cultures, the "Name Day" is celebrated with the same (or even more) emphasis than one's natural birthday.
So I should have a PARTY! Right?🎉🎈🎁🎂
More importantly, I should (we all should) prepare for the coming of the Lord, not only in six months time, but every day.
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins" (Luke 1:76-77). .
If you're Christmas shopping now, you're either really early... or really, really late!
But seriously, this very ancient liturgical feast common to Western and Eastern traditions precedes Christmas each year by six months, just as John was the Forerunner of the Savior, the great prophet whose singular mission was to point to the Word-made-flesh and prepare the way for His coming and His ministry.
The Greek icon above covers the events of this feast and the Biblical texts we read for it (notice Zechariah with the writing tablet). For those whose patron saint is John the Baptist, today is your "Name Day" (and mine too!😊). In some cultures, the "Name Day" is celebrated with the same (or even more) emphasis than one's natural birthday.
So I should have a PARTY! Right?🎉🎈🎁🎂
More importantly, I should (we all should) prepare for the coming of the Lord, not only in six months time, but every day.
